Are you a newbie kayaker that’s looking for the best kayak for beginners? You have come to the right place. In this post, I have rounded up some of the top-rated kayaks that a beginner kayaker can work with.
My reviews are based on personal experiments, user reviews and feedbacks, bestselling models, and personal experiences too. In case, I have managed to round up some of the top kayaks that you will find to be super cool for a kayaker.
I highly recommend that you read this post to the last bit to get the best view of the factors and tips that I have included here.
So, what type of kayak is best for beginners? Before we answer that, let us take a look at some of the top beginner kayaks that I have reviewed in this post.
Best Kayak for Beginners 2021
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
For the best kayak for beginners, anyone who has an Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak is at the right place. This kayak is easy to work with and provides one of the best learning experiences.
It is easy to learn and will leave you with even better control. For guys who are on the tightest budget and looking for the right kayak to start with, choose this kayak and enjoy the best features.
Designed with a sporty and fun touch, this streamlined kayak design provides beginners with the easiest paddling experiences.
It has a cool and bright yellow color and provides users with the most sporty graphics for a fun-filled ride. This makes the kayak again visible and easy to spot in the water.
This Sports Series kayak is again perfect for use with two adults. It gives you the two-person user capacity and comes with a lighter weight and compact touch for easy storage and transportation. You can bring your dog to a kayaking spree too.
Nonetheless, this is not all there is. The kayak is again easy to quickly assemble too and will allow you to enjoy your kayaking in the shortest time possible. So how does it perform?
Thanks to its rugged vinyl construction, these kayaks provide beginner kayakers to enjoy the sturdiest kayak if they bought this model. It is resistant to punctures and provides some of the best kayaking touches when in water.
The kayak gives an inflatable I-beam design on its floor and will leave you with a comfortable and rigid touch.
In addition to that is a removable skeg that again provides the kayak with the best directional stability. The kayak will maximize its comfort, too, thanks to the presence of the two adjustable and inflatable seats.
One thing that I love about the seats in the padded backrests. They are friendly to the back and prevent the signs of strain, including pain.
Buy these kayaks and get several other accessories, including the two 86” aluminum oars and your own Intex high-output pump.
Features
- Bright yellow color
- Sporty graphics
- Two-person capacity
- Rugged vinyl construction
- Inflatable i-beam design
- Removable skeg
Pros
- Easy storage and transportation
- Rugged vinyl construction
- Sturdiest kayak
- Resistant to punctures
- Directional stability
- Inflatable seats
- Padded backrests
Cons
- Limited colors to choose from
Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 | Sit-Inside Recreational Kayak
Another kayak that’s suitable for the beginner kayaker is the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 | Sit-Inside Recreational Kayak.
Unlike most regular kayaks, this one is not only easy to control but gives one of the best storage facilities.
The kayak is a sit-inside model, which gives it an added touch compared to the other kayak models that you may get.
Proven to be one of the best-selling sit-inside kayaks, this type of recreation kayak is designed for larger paddlers. It gives the best speeds and provides the pug with the easiest paddling touch.
Even so, this kayak is loved for its renowned hull that gives the most reassuring stability. The model doesn’t sacrifice the best type of performance and allows you to enjoy top quality kayaking fun.
With that said, this model again gives the phase 3 air pro seat technology. This is a fully adjustable seat that again allows the best ergonomic support.
The seat comes with a therapeutic touch that’s good at eliminating the signs of exhaustion around your lower back. There is an additional type of mesh cover on the seat’s honeycomb-vented foam.
This mesh type of coverage allows the rider to enjoy a better and even greater type of airflow that keeps you cool and then enables you to ride your kayak for extended amounts of time.
Even so, there is the adjustable footrest technology that allows the kayak to accommodate paddlers of different sizes easily. And you can again use the provided thigh pads to enjoy a much more comfortable fit.
For an easy touch, the pun goes dashboard will give you the best removable dry box where you can keep your kayaking gears. This box is watertight compartments that you can easily rely on if there is splashing water.
The model is designed with two cup holders and an extra sidetrack for several kayaking accessories.
Use the inbuilt wilderness systems battery to keep all your electronics charged while on the go. It is convenient and best for the longest rides.
Features
- Rear Orbit hatch
- Sealed bulkhead storages
- Boat length: 12′ 6″
- Boat weight: 53 lbs.
- Max Capacity: 325 lbs.
- 3 air pro seat technology
- Honeycomb-vented foam
- Adjustable footrests
- Wilderness systems battery
Pros
- For different sizes of paddlers
- Thigh pads for comfort
- Removable dry box
- Watertight compartments
- Electronics charged
Cons
- No D-rings holders
Intex Challenger Kayak Series
I love the challenger kayak series from Intex. At the same time, it is my favorite kayak. It is also the kayak that I first bought. The best thing about this kayak is its ease of use and top-notch control while on water.
As one of the best kayaks for beginners, the Intex Challenger Kayak Series is a model that you can be proud to own. Thanks to its cool features that will maximize your outdoor kayaking experience.
Firstly, this kayak comes with a nimble and durable kayak design. The kayak is made out of a durable and welded material and gives one of the most eye-catching graphics.
These graphics are important and will provide users with the best safety touch when on the lake or slow-moving river. The design is highly visible and an easy one to spot thereof.
But that’s not all. Looking at the kayak’s cockpit, you will learn that it is designed to provide maximum comfort and, again, to maximize the use of space.
You will again enjoy a much more realistic design with more freedom for control and movement too.
The kayak comes with an inflatable I-beam rigidity for better stability. It is this type of floor that maximizes strength and durability while at the same time eliminates leakages.
Nonetheless, to get more storage compartments, there is a cargo net that you can make use of. This cargo net is awesome for holding more gear and will work best with the grab line that’s set on both ends of this kayak.
For the seat, the same inflatable technology that we have seen is used on this kayak’s seat. The seat is adjustable and has a soft-landing backrest.
Thanks to its rugged vinyl construction, there is no problem that with proper use, this kayak will leave you with the best value for your money.
Features
- 2-pound kayak weight
- Eye-catching graphics
- Inflatable I beam flooring
- Cargo net
- Inflatable technology
- Rugged vinyl construction
- 220-pound weight limit
Pros
- Easy inflation and deflation
- Easy to spot in the water
- Lightweight and compact
- Adjustable seat
- Kayak for a longer timeline
Cons
- No electronic pump
Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet, Green
Next, if you are a beginner, you can easily start with the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle. This is a six feet kayak that is designed for a single rider. It is green in color and will leave you with easy control.
The kayak is lighter, which makes it cool for riders that desire something that’s easy to move. You can lift it with one hand and quickly set it onto the water for a quick ride out on a calm river.
The kayak can be used on the lake and is often awesome for learners who want to indulge in the recreational type of kayaking. Even so, this is not the type of kayak that I would recommend for an angler.
But what makes the kayak a cool design? Apart from its featherweight, the kayak comes with an adjustable padded seat. The seat is easy to move back and forth if you desire a comfortable seating experience.
More importantly, the kayak’s seat is padded for best comfort. You will find a soft landing and an awesome relaxation place minus any pain thereafter. That’s why this kayak is the best for recreational kayaking.
In addition to that, the kayak is constructed using the UV-protected high-density polyethylene material. What this means is that the kayak cannot dull up. It cannons peel due to the sun’s effect and will retain its glow even after years of use.
Nonetheless, it is the fact that the kayak comes with deep hull channels that make me love it. The channels are designed for smooth tracking and high-end performance.
It is again topped with chine rails, which maximizes stability and gives you one of the best rides.
But that’s not all. For a kayak that intends to give riders some of the most memorable kayaking experiences, this kayak comes with the best front and rear shock cord straps. You can use these straps to get your bungee on.
And if you just intend to have an easy transportation experience, the front and rear T-handles are what you will rely on.
Features
- Adjustable padded seat
- UV-protected
- High-density polyethylene
- Deep hull channels
- Chine rails
- Shock cord straps
- Front and rear T-handles
Pros
- Easy transportation
- Maximum stability
- Light in weight
- Durable design
- Smooth tracking
- Ideal for calm waters
- Cool green color
Cons
- Designed for a single rider only
Best Kayak for Beginners Buyer’s Guide
With the reviews laid down, the next important thing is to look at the best factors to consider when you intend to buy a kayak of your choice. In that case, I have listed the most vital considerations for any beginner.
Pricing
For a beginner, one of the most important factors that you have to look at is the price of the kayak. You’ve got to ensure that the price of the kayak is right for your budget. Go for an amount that you can easily afford.
So the best thing to do is to sit down and determine what you have and what you are willing to spend on your kayak before you can put the money in. It is the budget that will determine your type of kayak.
Type of Kayaking
Do you want a fishing kayak? Do you want a recreational kayak? Which type of kayaking experience do you intend to have? This will be the next thing to determine when you are in need of the best kayak for beginners.
It helps you to choose a targeted design that makes your work easy. The kayak that you end up with again helps you to explore your skill and build upon your style of riding.
Design
Next, looking at the kayak’s design is again very important. The design focuses more on how the kayak is built. Is it a hard kayak or an inflatable model? Is it built of wood or using carbon fiber? These are the factors that will determine the type of design that you are looking for.
Kayaks that are designed out of high-density polyethylene are some of the best. They are light in weight, easy to transport, and, more importantly, simpler to manage too.
Tracking
I have always stressed the need for a kayak that you can easily track. This is a kayak that you can control easily and enjoy with a straight ride. To achieve this, a kayak will either come with deep hull channels or a removable skeg.
Look for a model that allows you to enjoy easy kayak tracking during rides and one that you can easily control.
Weight
For a beginner, having a car to transport your kayak may not be possible. This means that you may have to rent a car or simply buy a kayak that you can transport easily without requiring a car.
So look for a kayak that’s light in weight. A good example is the six feet Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with a Paddle that you can easily lift with one hand and move around comfortably.
Capacity
Apart from the kayak’s weight, you must keep an eye out for the kayak’s weight limit. Ask yourself how much weight your kayak is able to hold. This is the one factor that determines how much you load your kayak.
For a decent ride, the limit has to be observed. A one-person kayak, for instance, cannot be used for two people because it cannot support that weight. However, you can always have some room for your pet dog).
Storage
Another thing that most beginner kayakers don’t remember to look at but which offers some of the best kayaking experiences is the best storage compartments.
If you have a kayak that enables you to store all your accessories, you will have an easy time keeping your kayak organized and neat. This way, you can experience more freedom while out with your kayak.
Color
A better approach for the new kayakers is to find a model that matches their style. Depending on the type of kayak design and color, a kayaker will easily relate to the kayak or choose the next model.
This means that for the newbies, the style is not something that you want to just brush through but rather an indication of a top-notch kayak model. It is easy to go for a kayak that comes in your favorite color than a dull model.
Accessories
Finally, any beginner should look for a better way to cut costs. One of the options that they can go with is to buy a kayak that offers its riders more kayaking accessories. Some of the accessories that you can focus on more include the availability of the paddles, GPS systems, fishing rod holders, D-rings, and a pump.
Additional Factors
When it comes to choosing the best kayak for a beginner, there are several things that a newbie should set in mind. Some of these things include the following.
Benefits of Kayaking
The first thing that you must understand is the benefits of a kayak. Thankfully there are several benefits that you will enjoy when you are out kayaking. They include the following.
- Enjoyable sceneries
- Recreational touch
- Connection to nature
- Bonding time with loved ones
- Personal time out
How to Enjoy Kayaking More
Apart from the benefits that you enjoy when kayaking, it is important to understand how best you can enjoy your kayaking experience more. There are several ways that you can do that. They include.
- Tagging your pet along
- Suing your kayak as per the manufacturer’s instructions
- Going kayaking with loves ones
- Asking questions when you don’t know something
- Using an easy to control the kayak
- Learning proper kayaking tips before going kayaking
The Best Time to Kayak
So when is the best time to go kayaking? Expert kayakers recommend going kayaking when the weather is calm. Do not go for a kayaking trip if there is stormy weather or if the winds are very strong.
If this is the case and you are out in the water, start to find your way back. It is important to keep up to date with the weather forecast of your area.
FAQs: Best Kayak for Beginners
Now that we have looked at several other factors that play a key role in the type of experience to expect when choosing the best kayak for a beginner, here are several other concerns that newbies often have about kayaks and kayaking.
How can you find a cheap kayak for a beginner?
If you love kayaking and you are on a tight budget, you can always get a cheap kayak by focusing more on offers, price discounts, and additional kayaking accessories. When you focus more on this, you will get affordable kayak prices. This is a great way to start before you determine your love for kayaking.
What other factors should I look at when buying a kayak?
If you are buying a kayak for the first time, apart from what we have given you above, you should think of what other users say about the same kayak. This will shed more light on the type of experience that you will have. Again you can look through the type of water body that you will ride on.
Where can I buy my best kayak for beginners?
Go online and buy your best kayak for beginners. When you buy from such a platform, you will enjoy some of the best prices. Often, online prices are affordable. You will get the best discounts and enjoy a variety of choices.
More importantly, when you buy online, you will shop at the comfort of your home while the delivery is done at your doorstep. This type of experience saves your money and energy too.
What is the best kayak for beginners?
While all the models that we have seen here are the best for beginners, there are factors that will help you to determine a kayak that’s ideal for beginners. The best kayaks for a newbie is an affordable kayak.
It should be a kayak that you can easily use and one that meets your budget. More importantly, the design should also be very comfortable.
What features do you look for in a comfortable kayak?
If you want a comfortable kayak, you should focus more on padded seats, adjustable seats, the presence of kayaking pedals, and, more importantly, the availability of enough space to move around. This means that the presence of a storage hatchet with being an awesome feature if you are looking for more space.
Conclusion
Any new kayaker that’s looking for a kayak of their own should look for the best kayak for beginners. These are kayaking, whose design presents the main things that any learner should have in mind, such as ease of use, quick tracking, maximum safety, and more importantly, a comfortable design.
What this means is that any kayak that a beginner buys should give them an experience like no other. It should allow the beginner to develop their skills and to have a memorable kayaking experience.
Even so, there are several factors that a kayaker should keep in mind if they need the best kayak for their ride. These factors are included in the buyer’s guide. They are easy to follow and will help you to nail the best kayak easily.
Focus more on taking proper care of your kayak once you have nailed a model that suits your needs.